PARTICIPANT GUIDE MARCH 22, 2026
2026 BANK OF AMERICA SHAMROCK SHUFFLE PARTICIPANT GUIDE
The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle is one of Chicago’s classic road races that kickstarts the city from a season of hibernation to a season of movement. Whether in rain, snow, sunshine or under cloudy skies, thousands of runners turn the city green as they journey through the Loop and cross the finish line. We are excited for you to join the Shamrock Shuffle tradition on Sunday, March 22, as we continue to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the Chicago running community and runners like you who bring the spirit of the Shamrock Shuffle to life.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FRIDAY, MARCH 20
Packet Pick-up
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park
SATURDAY, MARCH 21
Packet Pick-up
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park
The Mile
Grant Park (Ida B. Wells Drive, between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive)
9:30 a.m. Gear check opens
11:00 a.m. Competitive start
11:15 a.m. Recreational start
11:40 a.m. Awards ceremony at finish line
12:00 p.m. Gear check closes
SUNDAY, MARCH 22
8K Run and 2-Mile Walk
7:00 a.m. Red gear check opens
7:00 a.m. Wave 1 Start Corrals (Elite, A, B, C and D) open
7:30 a.m. Blue gear check opens
7:30 a.m. Wave 2 Start Corrals (E, F, G and H) open
8:20 a.m. Wave 1 Start Corrals (Elite, A, B, C and D) close
8:20 a.m. Wheelchair race start
8:30 a.m. Wave 1 race start
8:30 a.m. Walk Wave opens
8:45 a.m. Wave 2 Start Corrals (E, F, G and H) close
9:00 a.m. Post-Race Party begins
9:00 a.m. Wave 2 race start
9:15 a.m. Walk Wave closes
9:30 a.m. Walk Wave race start
9:30 a.m. Live music begins at the Post-Race Party
11:15 a.m. Beer ticket sales end
11:30 a.m. Beer service ends
11:30 a.m. Gear check closes
12:00 p.m. Post-Race Party ends
EVENT RULES
All participants must follow the official event rules of the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, which are posted on the event website at shamrockshuffle.com/rules. Event rules should be reviewed in their entirety before race weekend.
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE SERVICES
American Sign Language services will be available in Grant Park race weekend to assist deaf and hard of hearing participants. Interpreters will be available at Packet Pick-up on Friday, March 20 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday, March 21 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The interpreter will be located at the Adaptive Program counter at Packet Pick-up. On race day, Sunday, March 22, the interpreters will be at the Adaptive Program tent from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Adaptive Program tent is located on the south side of Jackson Drive between Columbus Drive and DuSable Lake Shore Drive in Grant Park.
GRANT PARK TRANSPORTATION & PARKING
Public transportation is strongly recommended for transportation to Grant Park. Visit the Metra website (metra.com) or the CTA website (transitchicago.com) to plan your route by train or bus. If you drive, allow sufficient time for traffic congestion in the downtown area due to the race.
Please be advised that the following streets will be closed to traffic on Sunday, March 22 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. as participants pass through the area:
• Columbus Dr. from Roosevelt Rd. to Grand Ave.
• Grand Ave. from Columbus Dr. to State St.
• State St. from Grand Ave. to Wacker Dr.
• Wacker Dr. from State St. to Washington Blvd.
• Washington Blvd. from Wacker Dr. to State St.
• State St. from Washington Blvd. to Jackson Blvd.
• Jackson Blvd. from State St. to Franklin St.
• Franklin St. from Jackson Blvd. to Harrison St.
• Harrison St. from Franklin St. to Michigan Ave.
• Michigan Ave. from Harrison St. to Roosevelt Rd.
• Roosevelt Rd. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr.
Additionally, the following roads within Grant Park will be closed to traffic on Saturday, March 21 by 6 a.m. and will remain closed until Sunday, March 22 at 2 p.m.:
• Columbus Dr. from Roosevelt Rd. to Randolph St.
• Monroe St. from Lake Shore Dr. to Michigan Ave.
• Jackson Dr. from Lake Shore Dr. to Michigan Ave.
• Balbo Dr. from Lake Shore Dr. to Michigan Ave. (closes Monday, March 16 at 6 a.m.)
• Ida B. Wells Dr. from Columbus Dr. to Michigan Ave.
• Congress Plaza Dr. from Harrison St. to Van Buren St.
For more information on event street closures, visit shamrockshuffle.com/streetclosures.
CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY (CTA) SERVICE
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is the most affordable, environmentally friendly and definitive Chicago way to travel on race weekend. The CTA offers a variety of ways to get to and from the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle in Grant Park and spectator viewing areas along the course. CTA encourages you to purchase your fares in advance to avoid lines race weekend. Visit ventrachicago.com for fare information and to purchase fares in advance.
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) directions to Grant Park
From Downtown Chicago
From the Adams/Wabash station on the Green, Orange, Pink and Brown elevated lines, walk one block south to Jackson Blvd. then one block east on Jackson Blvd. to enter the event at Michigan Ave. From the Red and Blue Line subways, exit at the accessible Jackson station and walk three blocks east on Jackson Blvd. to enter the event at Jackson Blvd.
From Ogilvie Transportation Center and Union Station
Transportation to and from Ogilvie Transportation Center and Union Station may change on race day due to event street closures. We encourage you to visit transitchicago.com/alerts for the latest information on bus re-routes and service information.
METRA SERVICE
Participants and spectators are encouraged to take advantage of Metra’s $7 Saturday/Sunday Day Pass, good for unlimited rides on either Saturday or Sunday, to attend Packet Pick-up and race day activities. In addition, the $10 Weekend Pass (available on the Ventra app only) is good for unlimited rides on both weekend days. Ventra App users can purchase a Metra Day Pass or Saturday or Sunday Pass and upgrade to the Regional Day Pass for unlimited rides on CTA and Pace for 24 hours for an additional $2.50. (Requires registered Ventra card).
Visit metra.com for more information.
SOUTH SHORE LINE SERVICE
Participants and spectators are encouraged to take the South Shore Line race weekend. The South Shore Line runs from South Bend, Indiana to Chicago with stops along the way. Park your car at one of the convenient South Shore Line stations and ride in comfort to Grant Park.
Visit mysouthshoreline.com for more information.
BIKE VALET
World Bicycle Relief will provide a free bike valet on Sunday, March 22 from 4:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for participants and volunteers at the southeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Van Buren Street. Individuals are encouraged to bring a bike lock in the event the Bike Valet has reached capacity.
MILLENNIUM GARAGES
Millennium Garages offer the closest parking options to Grant Park. A discounted parking rate will be available to Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle attendees throughout race weekend.
Parking passes purchased online in advance of your arrival will work at all four Millennium Garages: Grant Park North, Grant Park South, Millennium Park and Lakeside.
When purchasing parking for Packet Pick-up in Grant Park, we recommend parking at the Grant Park South garage.
On race day, all four Millennium Garages will be open, but the garage entrance and exit ramps may be impacted by the event’s rolling street closures.
The Grant Park North (25 N. Michigan Ave.) and Grant Park South (325 S. Michigan Ave.) garages will be accessible throughout race day. Those traveling to and from these garages should plan their route to avoid Michigan Ave., between Ida B. Wells Dr. and Roosevelt Rd., between 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. due to planned event street closures.
The Millennium Park and Lakeside garages will only be accessible from southbound Columbus Dr., at Randolph St. (5 S. Columbus Dr.) before 8 a.m. and after 10 a.m. Drivers will not be able to enter or exit these garages from 8 a.m. to approximately 10 a.m. Please note, there will be no access to the Millennium Park Garage from northbound Columbus Dr. due to planned event street closures.
For more information, visit millenniumgarages.com.
PACKET PICK-UP
PACKET PICK-UP EMAIL
Shufflers will receive a Packet Pick-up email on Wednesday, March 18. Participant Packet Pick-up will take place on Friday, March 20 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and Saturday, March 21 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) in an enclosed tent located on the south side of Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. You must present your email* to receive your participant packet, participant bag, Nike participant shirt and festive knit hat.
*The Packet Pick-up email can be presented on the screen of a mobile device or tablet, or in the form of a printout/hard copy. If you misplaced or did not receive a Packet Pick-up email, please email office@shamrockshuffle.com and a member of the event’s customer service team will resend the email.
Reduce the use of paper. Present your Packet Pick-up email electronically instead of printing!
VERIFY YOUR INFORMATION
We encourage you to verify your race information listed in the Packet Pick-up email. If any of the information is inaccurate (name and age division), you can make corrections by contacting the event office via email at office@shamrockshuffle.com.
PARTICIPANT PACKET PICK-UP
Participant Packet Pick-up will take place on Friday, March 20 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and Saturday, March 21 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) in an enclosed tent located on the south side of Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. You must attend the Participant Packet Pick-up to pick up your bib number, participant bag, Nike participant shirt, festive knit hat and any pre-purchased beer tickets (if applicable). If you cannot pick up your packet, someone else can pick up your packet for you by presenting a copy of your Packet Pick-up ticket.
Event participant shirts are made from 100% recycled polyester. In addition to reducing waste, recycled polyester reduces carbon emissions by up to 30% compared to virgin polyester and helps Nike divert an average of 1 billion plastic bottles annually from landfills and waterways.
Shufflers are encouraged to stay and enjoy the festival-like atmosphere of the Packet Pick-up experience in Grant Park. Beer service will take place in a tent on the southwest side of Buckingham Fountain on Friday and Saturday, immediately before the entrance to the Packet Pick-up tent.
Shufflers 21 years or older will receive a drink ticket attached to their bib number that can be redeemed for one (1) Goose Island 312 or Goose Island IPA on race day.* Additional drink tickets can be purchased for $8 each during Packet Pick-up and the Post-Race Party. Purchased tickets can be redeemed on Friday, March 20 from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 21 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or Sunday, March 22 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
*You must be 21 years or older with a valid ID to purchase and/or consume alcoholic beverages at the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle race weekend.
LOCATION AND HOURS
Buckingham Fountain Packet Pick-up Tent Columbus and Ida B. Wells Drive Grant Park, Chicago, IL
Friday, March 20: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 21: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bring used running shoes you would like to donate or recycle to the Sneaker Impact collection boxes at Packet Pickup on Friday and Saturday. Look for the orange and blue boxes and drop off your used shoes to help reduce waste, create economic opportunities and give a second life to your shoes. To learn more, visit sneakerimpact.com and follow them on Instagram @sneaker.impact
PACKET MAILING
Participants who opted to have their packet mailed during the registration process will receive an envelope via UPS during the second week of March. The envelope will include their 2026 bib number, Nike participant shirt, festive knit hat, a clear plastic bag (to be used at gear check on race day) and pre-purchased beer tickets (if applicable).
If you do not receive your event packet by Monday, March 16, please contact the event office by emailing office@shamrockshuffle.com.
RACE INFORMATION
The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle features the 8K Run and 2-Mile Walk on Sunday, March 22. We encourage you to review the information about your race distance in advance of race weekend. If you have any questions after reviewing the information, please contact the event office by emailing office@shamrockshuffle.com.
START CORRALS
Shufflers have been assigned to a specific start wave. Your assigned start determines your event (8K Run or 2-Mile Walk), your start corral and start time.
8K RUN
Wave 1
Elite start corral
Individuals participating in the Deloitte Elite Club Competition and individuals assigned to the elite start corral will receive specific instructions on how to access the Deloitte Elite Club Tent in advance of the race.
A, B, C and D start corrals
Start corrals open: 7 a.m.
Start corrals close: 8:20 a.m.*
Race start time: 8:30 a.m.
*If you are not in your start corral by 8:20 a.m., you must start at the back of Wave 1, Start Corral D.
Wave 2
E, F, G and H start corrals
Start corrals open: 7:30 a.m.
Start corrals close: 8:45 a.m.*
Race start time: 9 a.m.
*If you are not in your start corral by 8:45 a.m., you must start at the back of Wave 2, Start Corral H.
2-MILE WALK
Walk Wave
Start corrals open: 8:30 a.m.
Start corrals close: 9:15 a.m.
Walk start time: 9:30 a.m.
Note: the 2-Mile Walk shares the same start and finish lines as the 8K Run. The 2-Mile Walk begins after the last wave of 8K Run participants.
Did you know all water and Gatorade cups at the event are compostable? Refill your water cups at the water refill stations located at each start hydration area. When finished, be sure to compost your water and Gatorade cups into nearby compost bins. Green team volunteers will be located at Zero Waste Stations throughout Grant Park to assist you in discarding materials into compost, recycle or landfill receptacles.
DIRECTIONS TO START CORRAL ENTRANCES
GEAR CHECK
To facilitate a more efficient race experience, the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle encourages participants to leave personal items at home and to keep small items such as keys, money or phones on your person during the race. If you bring items to the Shamrock Shuffle that you can’t carry with you during the race, you must check them using your event-issued gear check bag at your assigned gear check tent.
Gear check tent locations are available on the site map located on pages 30 and 31. The Red Gear Check Tent will open at 7 a.m. and the Blue Gear Check will open at 7:30 a.m. on race day. All gear check tents will close at 11:30 a.m.
About gear check:
• You must use your race-issued gear check bag (your clear plastic participant bag); no other bags will be accepted at gear check. Personal bags may not be placed inside the race-issued gear check bag.
• To check your gear, remove the gear check tag from your bib number and fasten it to your event-issued clear plastic bag using the instructions provided. You may also write your bib number in the provided space on the bag.
• Do not check valuable items such as wallets, keys, money, phones or jewelry. The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen items.
• Participants will not be permitted to run with a bag.
• Do not leave bags unattended within Grant Park. Unattended bags will be confiscated and removed from the park.
• You are required to claim your bag from your assigned gear check tent by 11:30 a.m. on race day. Bags not claimed by 11:30 a.m. will be available to be claimed through the Lost and Found page of the event website. Any items unclaimed by Friday, April 24, 2026, will no longer be available.
Reuse and recycle! We encourage you to reuse your participant bag following the race. When you’re ready to dispose of the bag, remove the cotton string and take the bag to a retailer in your area that accepts plastic bags for recycling. To find a drop-off location near you and learn how the material is used to make composite decks, visit nextrex.com.
BIB NUMBER
Your Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle bib number is a unique identifier that must be visible at all times on race day. Your bib number indicates your assigned start position and gear check location.
What you need to know about your bib number:
• Pin all four (4) corners of your bib to the outermost layer of clothing on your chest.
• Your bib must be visible at all times.
• Wearing your bib improperly (pinned at your waist, pinned to race belts or fuel belts, etc.) could result in improper scoring and/or disqualification.*
• Include your emergency contact and medical information on the back of your bib number.
• Your bib number is non-transferable and must be worn only by you.
• The sale or transfer of your bib number is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification.
*Note: timing devices are only applicable to the 8K Run and The Mile events. The 2-Mile Walk is an untimed event.
TIMING DEVICE
1. Beer ticket: Participants aged 21 and over (photo ID required) can redeem this tear-off portion of their bib number for one Goose Island 312 or Goose Island IPA following the race at the PostRace Party.
2. Gear check claim tag: Use this tag at your assigned gear check tent following the race to claim your gear check bag.
3. Gear check tag: Attach this tag to your eventissued clear plastic gear check bag.
4. Color of event bib number: The color on the top and bottom of your bib number indicates your assigned gear check location (Red or Blue gear check tents).
5. Start corral letter: This letter identifies your start corral assignment (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, W).
6. Unique race number: This number is your unique race number and identifier. For this reason, your bib number is non-transferable and must be worn only by you. Transfer of your bib number is strictly prohibited.
You must wear your bib number as instructed above throughout the entirety of the race to record an official finish time and place for the 8K Run. A timing device is permanently attached to the back of your bib number. Do not remove the timing strip from your bib, fold the timing strip or damage it in any way. Your time will be recorded from the point at which you cross the timing mats at the start line until you cross the timing mats at the finish line. The timing device is single use and does not need to be returned after the event.
Gun time will be the official time for those starting in the elite start corral. Times for participants in this corral will be recorded from the start of the race by air horn until they cross the timing mats at the finish.
Please note that the 2-Mile Walk is an untimed event. Participants will not have a timing device on their bib and will not receive a finish time.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Wheeled devices are not permitted on the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run, 2-Mile Walk or The Mile course by anyone other than registered and authorized push-rim wheelchair participants, duo team participants and authorized course marshals on bicycles. Prohibited wheeled devices include unauthorized wheelchairs, baby joggers, baby strollers, skateboards, rollerblades, unauthorized bicycles or any other wheeled devices. Motorized devices of any kind are prohibited.
For your safety and the safety of all participants, the use of selfie-sticks, camera mounts or rigs, video devices, computers, drones, unmanned aerial devices or any similar devices by anyone while participating in the event is prohibited. 1 2 3 4 6 5
The use of music devices is permitted during the race; however, in keeping with USATF rules for championship races, athletes competing for overall awards or prize money may not use music or communication devices during the event.
The use of cell phones, cameras or similar devices by participants while in the event is discouraged, and event officials reserve the right to disqualify any participant using such devices who poses a safety hazard on the course.
Additional prohibited items on the course route include but are not limited to: large bags (backpacks, suitcases and rolling bags), hard-sided coolers, props and non-running equipment, including flagpoles and sticks, pets/animals (except service animals that are trained to perform specific work or tasks for a person with a disability), alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, chairs, weapons, remote controlled aircrafts and drones.
Prohibited items at the event site in Grant Park include but are not limited to: hard-sided coolers, pets/animals (except service animals that are trained to perform specific work or tasks for a person with a disability), alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, chairs, weapons, remote controlled aircrafts and drones.
Please note, any items deemed to be dangerous or inappropriate will be confiscated at the sole discretion of security personnel.
TOILET FACILITIES
Toilets are located near each gear check facility, east of Wave 1 start corrals, east and west of Wave 2 start corrals and immediately north of Buckingham Fountain. There are three banks of urinal-only toilets and seven publicly accessible toilet bank locations. ADA toilets are located near each gear check and on the north side of Buckingham Fountain. Allow ample time to get to your start corral prior to the start of the race.
Did you know the paper products used in the toilet facilities on the course and throughout Grant Park are made of 100% recycled materials? This is another step the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle has taken to be a more sustainable event.
RACE DAY LACTATION SPACES
Private and semi-private lactation spaces are available to participants on race day. Participants interested in using the spaces will have access to a private seating area (chair and table) or semi-private tented facility, a water source or a portable hand-washing station and a power source. Spaces will be available in the following locations:
Pre-race: Private and semi-private space at the Hilton Chicago (720 S. Michigan Avenue) and at Buckingham Fountain (adjacent to the Buckingham Fountain Information Tent).
Post-race: Semi-private tented facility at Buckingham Fountain (adjacent to the Buckingham Fountain Information Tent).
The semi-private tented facility on Buckingham Fountain is available to participants and spectators.
Participants interested in using the pre-race space at the Hilton Chicago are asked to email office@shamrockshuffle.com for instructions on how to access the space. Individuals interested in using the facility on the Buckingham Fountain deck are not required to book the space. All facilities will be first come, first served. Staff will be onsite at each location to assist those interested in using the space(s). Please note, the event will not store or transport equipment.
Additional questions about lactation spaces can be directed to the office@shamrockshuffle.com email in advance of the event.
THAN WATER BETTER HYDRATES
The all-new 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro
Built for the greater
The all-new Kia Telluride X-Pro is coming. With 9.1-inch ground clearance, you can overcome greater obstacles. Plus, its AWD with e-LSD will give you all the confidence you need to take on even greater terrains. Greater journeys, greater discoveries, and greater destinations are all awaiting you in the Kia Telluride X-Pro.
2027 Telluride SX Prestige X-Pro AWD pre-production model shown with optional features. Some features may vary. Expected early 2026 with limited inventory available. Always drive safely and obey all traffic laws.
See them at your Chicagoland Kia Retailer
COURSE AMENITIES
The 8K Run will feature two on-course aid stations offering Gatorade® Endurance Formula (lemon-lime), water, medical support and toilet facilities.
Aid Station 1: Mile 1.6
• (Wacker Drive and Clark Street)
Aid Station 2: Mile 3.6
• (Harrison and Wells Streets)
If you’re carrying your own water bottle, a refill station will be available at Aid Station 2.
The 2-Mile Walk will have one on-course aid station at the halfway point offering water, medical support and toilet facilities.
Carpeting will be installed on the west side of the Columbus Drive bridge. This carpeting covers the metal road surface and is intended to create a smoother course for wheelchair participants. Please exercise caution if you choose to cross the bridge on the carpet.
Mile markers will be located at every mile for the 8K Run. A clock will be located at the 5K mark for the 8K Run. Timing mats for the 8K Run will be at the start line, 5K mark and finish line. The 2-Mile Walk is an untimed event. Mile markers will be located at each mile.
Kia will lead the way on race day! Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Kia retailers are proud to support the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle. Kia sprints into 2026 with the redesigned 2027 Telluride while the fuel efficient hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will act as the lead vehicles for the 2026 event. See the vehicles race weekend or visit your local Kia retailer. To get more information visit kia.com. Kia. Movement that inspires.
MEDICAL SUPPORT
Medical support is available at both on-course aid stations. Medical tents are indicated by tall, red, blade signs with the medical icon. Each medical tent has access to ambulance service and is staffed by a team of medical professionals equipped with medical supplies and equipment.
In Grant Park, the medical tent is located directly beyond the finish line. For the safety of all participants, only those requiring medical assistance may access the medical facilities. If you feel like you need medical assistance on race day, you are encouraged to seek help from a medical volunteer or to visit a medical tent in Grant Park or on course.
Lend a hand, save a life! Participants, volunteers and event staff are encouraged to watch an instructional Hands-Only CPR video in advance of race weekend. This training is critical and can be lifesaving.
COURSE TIME REQUIREMENT
Participants must be capable of maintaining a 15:00/mile pace for the 8K Run, a 20:00/mile pace for The Mile and a 30:00/mile pace for the 2-Mile Walk. The event time requirements, start line to finish line, are 1 hour and 15 minutes (1:15:59) for the 8K Run, 20 minutes (00:20:59) for The Mile and 1 hour (1:00:59) for the 2-Mile Walk.
Participants who finish outside of the time requirement may not receive full on-course support from aid stations and traffic safety personnel. Runners who finish outside of the time requirement may not be recorded as official finishers.*
*Note: timing devices are only applicable to the 8K Run and The Mile events. The 2-Mile Walk is an untimed event.
LIVE RESULTS AT SHAMROCKSHUFFLE.COM
The most efficient way to stay updated on race day results is at shamrockshuffle.com. The mobile-friendly race website allows spectators to view our race leaderboard and to follow friends and family by getting real-time updates. Race results will be available for the 8K Run and The Mile.
AGE GROUPS*
Men, Women and Non-Binary: 14 & under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-90, 90 and over. The top finishers in each age group will receive an award.
*Note: age group awards are only applicable to the 8K Run event.
RUNNER REFRESHMENT
Refreshments will be available following the 8K Run and 2-Mile Walk within the Runner Refreshment area, including Gatorade® Endurance Formula (lemon-lime) and Culligan bottled water. Only race finishers will be allowed in the Runner Refreshment area. Once you exit the finish area, you may not re-enter.
POST-RACE PARTY
The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle Post-Race Party will be held at Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park (Columbus and Ida B. Wells Drive) immediately following the 8K Run and 2-Mile Walk on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Post-Race Party will feature live music from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Shufflers 21 years or older will receive a drink ticket attached to their bib number that can be redeemed for one (1) Goose Island 312 or Goose Island IPA. Additional drink tickets can be purchased for $8 each during Packet Pick-up and the Post-Race Party. Purchased tickets can be redeemed on Sunday, March 22 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.*
Look for Zero Waste Stations throughout Grant Park where green team volunteers will be on hand to ensure your Gatorade cups, banana peels and food scraps get composted, water bottles are recycled and help sort other waste to minimize the materials sent to the landfill. Test your recycling knowledge by playing the Sustainability Challenge: Sort and Toss game, which will be featured at Packet Pick-up as well as the Post-Race Party on race day.
*You must be 21 years or older with a valid ID to purchase and/or consume alcoholic beverages at the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle race weekend.
INFORMATION TENTS
Have questions on race day? Visit one of the three Information Tents on site. Volunteers are there to help you find your way, answer race day questions and enjoy the race.
LOST AND FOUND
Lost and found items will be collected throughout race weekend at Packet Pick-up and in Grant Park on race day. Following the event, items can be reclaimed through our Lost and Found platform, available at shamrockshuffle.com/lostandfound. Items reclaimed post-event may be shipped to individuals for a shipping fee.
DELOITTE TEAM COMPETITIONS
Deloitte Open Team Competition
Enhance your race day experience at the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle by joining the Deloitte Open Team Competition. The team competition adds an extra element of fun and competitiveness to race day. The competition is open to all runners, running club members, groups of friends, co-workers and corporate teams. The Open Team Competition offers two divisions: Competitive and Recreational. The Open Team Competition includes men’s, women’s and mixed teams, as well as combined finish time and age-graded scoring. Visit shamrockshuffle.com/teamcompetitions for more information and to create your team.
Deloitte Elite Club Competition
The 2026 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle is hosting its 16th annual club 8K Run competition. The Deloitte Elite Club Competition attracts clubs from around the U.S. This unique opportunity allows USATF member clubs to compete on the roads for a $30,000 prize purse and national recognition as one of the top clubs. Visit shamrockshuffle.com/teamcompetitions for more information.
AFTER PARTY
The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle After Party will be hosted at The Scout on Sunday, March 22 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Shufflers who bring their race bib will receive one (1) complimentary beer.*
*You must be 21 years or older with a valid ID to purchase and/or consume alcoholic beverages at the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle race weekend.
SHARE YOUR SHUFFLE
Be sure to post your Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle photos on social media and use #ShamrockShuffle and #Shuffleto8K for a chance to be featured on our event channels. If you haven’t joined our social media community, we encourage you to follow us!
OFFICIAL NIKE MERCHANDISE
Shuffle in style with Nike’s official Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle merchandise collection. The official collection will be available at Nike Chicago (669 N. Michigan Ave.) and Fleet Feet Old Town (1706 N. Wells St.) starting on Tuesday, March 3.*
*Date subject to change
EVENT MERCHANDISE
Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle merchandise will be available through Fleet Feet Chicago in Grant Park from Friday, March 20 through Sunday, March 22.
STREAM FAST AND WATCH BETTER ON RACE DAY
Encourage your friends and family to watch the finish line live on race day! NBC Chicago and Telemundo Chicago will offer a finish line live stream on nbcchicago.com and telemundochicago.com from 8 to 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 22.
THE MILE
Take part in the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle race weekend excitement at The Mile! Bib and t-shirt pick-up for The Mile will take place on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, in Grant Park. You must pick up your items in advance of the race on Saturday.
9:30 a.m. Gear check opens
11:00 a.m. Competitive start
11:15 a.m. Recreational start
11:40 a.m. Awards ceremony
12:00 p.m. Gear check closes
Gear check for The Mile will open at 9:30 a.m. and close at 12 p.m. Gear check will be located in a tent on Ida B. Wells Drive, directly south of The Mile start and finish lines. A brief awards ceremony to recognize the top three men, women and non-binary finishers will be held near the announcer booth at the finish line following the conclusion of the race.
Start corrals will close 15 minutes before the start of the race. Participants will be assigned to a recreational or competitive corral based on their expected time.
The Mile starts and finishes on Ida B. Wells Drive and the course weaves through Grant Park. Course markers will be located at each quarter mile to help guide participants.
You must wear your bib number as instructed above throughout the entirety of the race to record an official finish time and place for The Mile. A timing device is permanently attached to the back of your bib number. Do not remove the timing strip from your bib, fold the timing strip or damage it in any way. Your time will be recorded from the point at which you cross the timing mats at the start line until you cross the timing mats at the finish line. The timing device is single use and does not need to be returned after the event.
After The Mile, stick around to take part in a free plogging event from 12 to 1:30 p.m.! Plogging is a combination of the Swedish term plocka upp (to pick up) and the English word jog. Learn more at shamrockshuffle.com/sustainability.
SUSTAINABILITY INITATIVES
In 2024, the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability and was once again certified at the Gold level by the Council for Responsible Sport, a not-for-profit organization which provides objective, independent verification of the socially and environmentally responsible work of sporting events. The Council for Responsible Sport certified events are some of the world’s leading examples of responsible sport in action, supporting sustainability and environmental consciousness. Look for recycling icons located throughout the participant guide. These icons indicate some of the many of the event’s sustainability initiatives. Thank you for helping to make the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle a more sustainable event!
The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle is proud to team up with Culligan International to deliver sustainable water when it matters most. Building on our long-term partnership, runners can once again expect cleaner, safer, better-tasting water at the finish line. Our shared commitment to sustainability comes to life as we replace single-use plastic water bottles with reusable aluminum options. Participants are encouraged to reuse and refill their bottles, extending their sustainable impact beyond race day. Additionally, runners and spectators are invited to hydrate at Culligan water filtration stations designed to enhance taste and address contaminants such as lead and microplastics—creating better race-day hydration experiences for people and the planet.
EVENT ALERT SYSTEM
The Event Alert System communicates the status of course conditions to participants leading up to and on race day via email updates, color-coded signs, PA announcements and flags. Alert levels range from Low to Moderate to High to Extreme based primarily on weather conditions, as well as other factors. All participants should familiarize themselves with the Event Alert System before the race, remain alert for directions from race officials throughout the event and take precautions to prepare properly for varying weather conditions on race day. For more information about the Event Alert System, visit shamrockshuffle.com/eas.
BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO DISTANCE SERIES
We are excited to continue the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series in 2026. The Distance Series is made up of Chicago’s premier racing portfolio: the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run, Bank of America Chicago 13.1 and Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The three races span the outdoor running season and celebrate the vibrant and diverse nature of our local and global running communities. Individuals who finish all 2026 events will receive a unique Bank of America Chicago Distance Series medal and will be eligible for a guaranteed entry into the 2027 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Athletico
Blue Plate
Chicago Transit Authority
Culligan
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Fleet Feet
haku
Intelligentsia
Lifeway Kefir
MarathonFoto
Planet Fitness
Runner’s World
Stan’s Donuts
That’s It.
The Scout Waterhouse + Kitchen
Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, General Superintendent & CEO
It’s just water until it’s It’s just a goal until you go for it.
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